Taijul Islam, a left-arm spinner from Bangladesh, has been nominated for the December ICC Player of the Month award in recognition of his crucial contribution to the Tigers’ historic Test triumph against New Zealand at home in December 2023.
With an impeccable record in Test matches played in Bangladesh, New Zealand came in the nation. With a spin of his left arm, Taijul was about to alter that.
In the first Test of the two-match series, neither team was able to exert enough pressure. Kane Williamson’s century equaled Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 86, while Taijul’s 4/109 nullified Glenn Phillips’ four-for in the first over.
Bangladesh was able to set a target of 338 for New Zealand to chase in the last innings thanks to a century from Najmul Hossain Shanto. After grabbing an explosive 6/75 to assist Bangladesh win by 150 runs, Taijul eventually proved to be the difference between the two sides.
In the second Test against New Zealand, Taijul continued to show off his skills by taking five more wickets despite the team being beaten.
“I don’t mind being in the spotlight.”
Taijul achieved many benchmarks at the conclusion of the series. He won the opening game’s Player of the Match award, led his side to a historic victory over New Zealand at home, and was voted Player of the Series for taking the most wickets (15).
Australia captain Pat Cummins and New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips were also nominated, in addition to the Taijul.
With victories in the ICC World Test Championship, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and Ashes retention, the Australian captain had an incredible 2023. As luck would have it, Cummins concluded the year with an outstanding performance in his last month as both a captain and a bowler.
The fast bowler, who is hosting Pakistan for a Test series, got off to a respectable start, taking three wickets in the first game and helping his team to victory. However, Cummins really let loose during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
With Pakistan cruising at 110/2, Australia found themselves in a precarious position after having to defend 317 in the last innings. After Australia recovered control, Cummins returned to eliminate his rival, Shan Masood, for 60.
Cummins then shut down Pakistani hitters’ resistance, bundling them out for 237.
With a five-for in each of the two innings (5/48 & 5/49) against a determined Pakistan seeking to rally, Cummins produced a remarkable performance that saw him win the Player of the Match award, reach 250 Test wickets, and seal the series victory that would eventually see Australia reclaim its top spot in Tests.
Known most for his brilliant batting stroke and wicket-taking, Phillips also shown his prowess as a spinner in Test matches against Bangladesh.
The all-rounder took five wickets in the first Test match against Bangladesh and scored a useful 42 off 62. After the Blackcaps’ opening-round defeat, Phillips realized more needed to be done.
Phillips proved his mettle as a player in the second Test. Phillips took 3/31 in the first innings at Mirpur to limit Bangladesh to 172. But New Zealand was behind and had problems when Phillips reached the crease, losing half their side for 46.
Although there is still plenty to be done, Phillips spearheaded the rescue effort by hitting a remarkable 87 off only 72 balls to tie New Zealand with Bangladesh.
The Kiwis were subsequently given a goal of 137 by the hosts, which seemed more than difficult at first. Again, with wickets dropping regularly, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious situation. Once again displaying maturity with the bat, Phillips struck a match-winning forty* off the bat in a partnership with Mitchell Santner (35*) with six down for 69.
He ended the series as New Zealand’s leading run scorer (181 runs at 60.33), and his efforts in the second Test won him the Player of the Match title.